Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and a non-pixel area surrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas. The non-pixel area includes a plurality of first areas and a second area surrounding the plurality of first areas. A functional layer is disposed on the substrate and includes a plurality of first holes defined through the functional layer and overlapping the plurality of first areas. An element layer is disposed on the functional layer. A pixel definition layer is disposed on the element layer overlaps the non-pixel area. The pixel definition layer includes pixel openings defined therethrough. The pixel openings overlap the plurality of pixel areas. A plurality of light emitting elements is disposed on the element layer and is disposed in the pixel openings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2020-0008653, filed on Jan. 22, 2020 in theKorean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present inventive concepts relate to a display device.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Numerous electronic devices include a display device for displaying animage to a user, such as a smartphone, a digital camera, a notebookcomputer, a navigation unit, and a smart television. The display devicegenerates the image and provides the image to the user through a displayscreen.

The display device may provide a variety of functions, such asdisplaying the image to provide information to the user or sensing theuser's input for communication with the user. In recent developments,the display device includes a function of sensing a fingerprint of theuser. For example, the display device may include an optical fingerprintsensor for sensing an incident light. The fingerprint sensor may bedisposed on a rear surface of the display panel and assembled with thedisplay panel.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide adisplay device including an optical transmission path through which anexternal light reaches a sensor layer disposed at a lower portionthereof when the display device is provided with a color filter layerand a pixel definition layer having a black color.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts, a displaydevice includes a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and anon-pixel area surrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas. Thenon-pixel area includes a plurality of first areas and a second areasurrounding the plurality of first areas. A functional layer is disposedon the substrate and includes a plurality of first holes defined throughthe functional layer and overlapping the plurality of first areas. Anelement layer is disposed on the functional layer. A pixel definitionlayer is disposed on the element layer and overlaps the non-pixel area.The pixel definition layer includes pixel openings defined therethrough,the pixel openings overlapping the plurality of pixel areas. A pluralityof light emitting elements is disposed on the element layer and isdisposed in the pixel openings.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts, a displaydevice includes a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and anon-pixel area surrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas. Thenon-pixel area includes a plurality of first areas and a second areasurrounding the plurality of first areas. A functional layer is disposedon the substrate and includes a plurality of first holes defined throughthe functional laser and overlapping the plurality of first areas. Anelement layer is disposed on the functional layer. A pixel definitionlayer is disposed on the element layer and overlaps the non-pixel area.The pixel definition layer includes pixel openings defined through thepixel definition layer and overlapping the plurality of pixel areas.Second holes are defined through the pixel definition layer and overlapthe first holes. An area of each of the second holes is greater than anarea of each of the first holes. The areas of the first holes and secondholes are defined in a first direction and a second direction that areparallel to an upper surface of the substrate and cross each other. Aplurality of light emitting elements is disposed on the element layerand is disposed in the pixel openings.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts, a displaydevice includes a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and anon-pixel area surrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas. Thenon-pixel area includes a plurality of first areas and a second areasurrounding the plurality of first areas. A functional layer is disposedon the substrate and includes first holes defined through the functionallayer and overlapping the plurality of first areas. A sensor layer isdisposed under the functional layer. The sensor layer includes at leastone optical fingerprint sensor. A plurality of light emitting elementsis disposed on the substrate and is configured to emit light in regionsoverlapping the plurality of pixel areas. A pixel definition layer isdisposed on the substrate and overlaps the non-pixel area. The pixeldefinition layer includes second holes defined through the pixeldefinition layer and overlapping the first holes. A color filter layeris disposed on the plurality of light emitting elements and the pixeldefinition layer and includes sub-color filters overlapping theplurality of first areas. An input sensing unit is disposed between thelight emitting elements and the color filter layer. The input sensingunit includes a first light transmission area overlapping the pluralityof first areas. The first holes, second holes, sub-color filters andfirst light transmission area form an optical transmission path forexternal light to reach the sensor layer.

According to the above, the external light may easily reach the sensorlayer disposed under the substrate through the optical transmission pathdefined by the first holes and the second holes overlapping the firstareas defined in the non-pixel area. Thus, the sensor layer may bestably operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages of the present inventive concepts willbecome readily apparent by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to anexemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a display panel shown in FIG. 2 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a pixel shown in FIG. 3according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a structure in which a pixel area shown inFIG. 4 is disposed in plural according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent inventive concepts;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 5according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing first areas shown in FIG. 5 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area shown in FIG. 5according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an input sensing unit shown in FIG. 2according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a configuration of the firstand second sensor portions shown in FIG. 9 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown inFIG. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcepts;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing an area E1 shown in FIG. 9 accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing first areas shown in FIG. 13 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a first area shown in FIG. 13according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts;and

FIGS. 16 to 18 are cross-sectional views showing display devicesaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the present inventive concepts, it will be understood that when anelement or layer is referred to as being “on”, “connected to” or“coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connectedor coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or alayers may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred toas being “directly on”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to”another element or layer, no intervening elements may be disposedbetween the element or layer and the other element or layer.

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, thethickness, ratio, and dimension of components are exaggerated foreffective description of the technical content.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/orsections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, lay or section without departing from theteachings of the present inventive concepts. As used herein, thesingular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe the relationship of one element or feature to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. However, thedisplay device and associated elements may be inverted, rotated, etc.and exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts should notbe limited by these terms.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or“including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive conceptswill be described with reference to accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to anexemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the display device DDmay have a rectangular shape defined by relatively longer sidesextending in a first direction DR1 and relatively shorter sidesextending in a second direction DR2 that crosses the first directionDR1. However, the shape of the display device DD should not be limitedto the rectangular shape and may have a variety of shapes, such as acircular shape, a polygonal shape, a three-dimensional shape, anirregular shape, etc.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first direction DR1 andthe second direction DR2 are perpendicular each other. However,exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to a planedefined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may bedefined as a third direction DR3. The first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2 may be parallel to an upper surface of a substrate SUB(FIG. 4). The third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction of thesubstrate SUB. In the present disclosure, the expression “when viewed ina plane” may mean a state of being viewed from the third direction DR3.

An upper surface of the display device DD (e.g., in the third directionDR3) may be defined as a display surface DS and the display surface DSmay extend in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2. Images IM generated by the display device DD may beprovided to a user through the display surface DS. For example, in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the images IM displayed on the displaysurface DS include a plurality of icons for various softwareapplications. However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and the display surface DS may includeone or more still images and/or moving images displaying variousdifferent content.

The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-displayarea NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA maydisplay the images IM and the non-display area NDA does not display theimages IM. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-display area NDA maydefine an edge of the display device DD, which is printed with apredetermined color. While the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1includes the non-display area NDA surrounding all four sides of therectangular display area DA, exemplary embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, in otherexemplary embodiments, the non-display area NDA may surround three orless sides of the display area DA and the display area DA may extend toan edge of the display device DD.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the displaydevice DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventiveconcepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the display device DDmay include a display panel DP, an input sensing unit ISP disposed onthe display panel DP, a color filter layer CFL disposed on the inputsensing unit ISP, a window WIN disposed on the color filter layer CFL,an adhesive OCA disposed between the color filter layer CFL and thewindow WIN, and a sensor layer SL disposed under the display panel DP.

The display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinventive concepts may be a light emitting type display panel. However,exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic lightemitting display panel or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. Alight emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel mayinclude an organic light emitting material. A light emitting layer ofthe quantum dot light emitting display panel may include a quantum dotand/or a quantum rod. Hereinafter, the organic light emitting displaypanel will be described as a representative example of the display panelDP.

The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a pixel layer PXLdisposed on the base layer BL, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFLdisposed on the base layer BL to cover the pixel layer PXL.

The base layer BL may be disposed in the display area DA and thenon-display area NDA. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2,the base layer BL may be disposed under the display panel DP (e.g., inthe third direction DR3). In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer BLmay have a multi-layer structure.

The pixel layer PXL may be disposed in the display area DA. The pixellayer PXL, may include a plurality of pixels, and each of the pixels mayinclude a light emitting element. The pixel layer PXL may not bedisposed in the non-display area NDA.

In an exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFL mayinclude at least two inorganic layers and an organic layer disposedbetween the inorganic layers. However, exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto, and in otherexemplary embodiments, the thin film encapsulation layer TFL may includemore than one organic layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the inorganiclayers may include an inorganic material and may protect the pixel layerPXL from moisture/oxygen. The organic layer may include an organicmaterial and may protect the pixel layer PXL from a foreign substancesuch as dust particles.

The input sensing unit ISP may sense an external input (e.g., a user'stouch, etc.), may convert the external input to a predetermined inputsignal, and may provide the input signal to the display panel DP. Theinput sensing unit ISP may include a plurality of sensing electrodes tosense the external input. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensingelectrodes may sense the external input by a capacitive method. Thedisplay panel DP may receive the input signal from the input sensingunit ISP and may generate an image corresponding to the input signal.

The color filter layer CFL may include a plurality of color filters. Thecolor filters may convert the external light to a color of the colorfilter layer CFL.

The input sensing unit ISP and the color filter layer CFL will bedescribed in detail later.

The window WIN may protect the display panel DP and the input sensingunit ISP from external scratches and impacts. The window WIN may beattached to the input sensing unit ISP by the adhesive OCA. The adhesiveOCA may include an optical clear adhesive. The image generated by thedisplay panel may be provided to the user after passing through thewindow WIN.

The sensor layer SL may be disposed under the base layer BL of thedisplay panel DP. The sensor layer SL may include at least one sensor.For example, the sensor layer SL may include an optical fingerprintsensor. The optical fingerprint sensor may sense the light incidentthereto through an optical transmission path defined through the colorfilter layer CFL, the input sensing unit ISP, and the display panel DP.The optical transmission path will be described in detail later.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the display panel DP shown its FIG. 2according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the display panel DPmay include a driving circuit GDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, aplurality of signal pads DP-PD, and a plurality of pixels PX.

The driving circuit GDC may include a scan driving circuit. The scandriving circuit may generate a plurality of scan signals and maysequentially output the scan signals to a plurality of scan lines GLdescribed later. The scan driving circuit may further output othercontrol signals to the driving circuit of the pixels PX.

In an exemplary embodiment, the scan driving circuit may include aplurality of thin film transistors formed through the same processes,e.g., a low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) process or a lowtemperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process, as the driving circuitof the pixels PX. However, exemplary embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the signal lines SGL mayinclude scan lines GL, data lines DL, a power line PL, and a controlsignal line CSL. Each of the scan lines GL may be connected to acorresponding pixel among the pixels PX, and each of the data lines DLmay be connected to a corresponding pixel among the pixels PX. The powerline PL may be connected to the pixels PX. The control signal line CSLmay provide the scan driving circuit with control signals.

The signal lines SGL may include a plurality of portions disposed ondifferent layers from each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the data lines DL including four portions P1, P2, P3, and P4.The four portions P1, P2, P3, and P4 may be disposed on different layersand are connected to each other via contact holes CNT.

The signal pads DP-PD may be connected to the data lines DL, the powerline PL, and the control signal line CSL. The signal pads DP-PD may bedisposed adjacent to each other (e.g., in the first direction DR1) in apad area DP-E defined in a portion of the non-display area NDA. Forexample, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the pad areaDP-PD may be defined in a lower portion (e.g., in the second directionDR2) of the non-display area NDA. The signal pads DP-PD may be formedthrough the same process without distinguishing their stacked structuresor constituent materials from each other.

The display area DA may be defined as an area in which the pixels PX arearranged. A plurality of electronic elements is arranged in the displayarea DA. The electronic elements may include an organic light emittingdiode and the pixel driving circuit connected to the organic lightemitting diode, which are disposed in each pixel PX.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel PX may include a first transistorT1, a second transistor T2, a capacitor CP, and an light emitting diodeOLED. While the pixel driving circuit of the pixel PX includes aswitching transistor and a driving transistor, exemplary embodiments ofthe pixel driving circuit are not limited to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 3. The first transistor T1 may be connected to the scanline GL and the data line DL. The light emitting diode OLED may receivea power voltage provided through the power line PL.

FIG. 3 limber shows a circuit board PCB electrically connected to thedisplay panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinventive concepts. The circuit board PCB may be a rigid circuit boardor a flexible circuit board.

A timing control circuit TC may be disposed on the circuit board PCB tocontrol an operation of the display panel DP. In addition, an inputsensing circuit ISL-C may be disposed on the circuit board PCB tocontrol an input sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the timingcontrol circuit TC and the input sensing circuit ISL-C may be mounted onthe circuit board PCB in an integrated chip form. For example, in anexemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts, the timingcontrol circuit TC and the input sensing circuit ISL-C may be mounted onthe circuit board PCB in one integrated chip form. The circuit board PCBmay include circuit board pads PCB-P electrically connected to thesignal pads DP-PD. The circuit board PCB may further include signalslines that connect the circuit board pads PCB-P and the timing controlcircuit TC and/or the input sensing circuit ISL-C. In addition, thecircuit board pads PCB-P may be output pads, and the circuit board PCBmay further include input pads.

The signal pads DP-PD of the display panel DP may be electricallyconnected to the circuit board pads PCB-P by a conductive member, suchas an anisotropic conductive film ACF. However, exemplary embodiments ofthe present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, inan exemplary embodiment, the anisotropic conductive film ACF may bereplaced with a conductive ball.

The display panel DP shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 may bepartially bent. For example, a portion of the non-display area NDA maybe bent with respect to a bending axis substantially parallel to thefirst direction DR1. The bending axis may be defined to overlap thethird portions P3 of the data lines DL.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the pixel PX shown in FIG. 3according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the display panel DPmay include the base layer BL, an element layer DEL, a pixel definitionlayer PDL, a plurality of light emitting elements OLED, and the thinfilm encapsulation layer TFL. As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, the pixel layer PXL may be defined by the element layer DEL, thepixel definition layer PDL, and the light emitting elements OLEDdisposed between the base layer BL and the thin film encapsulation layerTFL.

The base layer BL may include a plurality of layers. For example, asshown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the base layer BL mayinclude a substrate SUB, a functional layer FL, and a buffer layer BFLconsecutively stacked (e.g., in the third direction DR3). However,exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto.

The substrate SUB may include a plurality of pixel areas PA and anon-pixel area NPA around each pixel area PA. For convenience ofillustration, FIG. 4 shows only one pixel area PA, however, a pluralityof pixel areas PA may be defined in the substrate SUB as shown in FIG.5. The non-pixel area NPA may be disposed to surround each pixel areaPA.

In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate SUB may be a transparentsubstrate and may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, thesubstrate SUB may include polyimide (PI). However, exemplary embodimentsof the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a lower surface of thefunctional layer FL may be disposed directly on an upper surface of thesubstrate SUB. The functional layer FL may block light. For example, thefunctional layer FL may have a black color that absorbs the light. Thefunctional layer FL may block the light incident to the substrate SUB toprevent components disposed under the substrate SUB from being viewed.

The buffer layer BFL may improve a coupling force between the substrateSUB and a semiconductor pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the bufferlayer BFL may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.The silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer may be alternatelystacked with each other. However, exemplary embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. In anexemplary embodiment, the semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon.However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto or thereby. The semiconductor pattern may includeamorphous silicon or metal oxide.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the element layer DELmay include a first transistor T1, a second transistor T2, a firstinsulating layer 10, a second insulating layer 20, a third insulatinglayer 30, a fourth insulating layer 40, a fifth insulating layer 50, anda sixth insulating layer 60.

A first source S1, a first active A1, and a first drain D1 of the firsttransistor T1 may be formed using the semiconductor pattern, and asecond source S2, a second active A2, and a second drain D2 of thesecond transistor T2 may be formed using the semiconductor pattern. Thefirst and second sources S1 and S2 and the first and second drains D1and D2 may extend in opposite directions (e.g., in the first directionDR1) from the first and second actives A1 and A2. FIG. 4 shows a portionof a connection signal line SCL formed using the semiconductor pattern.In an exemplary embodiment, the connection signal line SCL may beconnected to the second drain D2 of the second transistor T2 when viewedin a plane (e.g., in a plane defined in the first direction DR1 andthird direction DR3).

The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the boiler layer BFL.The first insulating layer 10 may commonly overlap the pixels PX and maycover the semiconductor pattern. For example, as shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 4, a lower surface of the first insulating layer 10may directly contact an upper surface of the buffer layer BFL and upperand side surfaces of the first and second sources S1, S2, first andsecond drains D1, D2, first and second actives A1, A2 and the connectionsignal line SCL. The first insulating layer 10 may include an inorganiclayer and/or an organic layer and may have a single-layer or multi-layerstructure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 mayinclude at least one compound selected from aluminum oxide, titaniumoxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafniumoxide. However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. In the present exemplary embodiment, the firstinsulating layer 10 may be a single silicon oxide layer.

First and second gates G1 and G2 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 10. The first and second gates G1 and G2 may be a portion of ametal pattern. The first and second gates G1 and G2 overlap (e.g., inthe third direction DR3) the first and second actives A1 and A2,respectively. The first and second gates G1 and G2 may act as a mask ina doping process of the semiconductor pattern.

The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulatinglayer 10 to cover the first and second gates G1 and G2. The secondinsulating layer 20 may commonly overlap the pixels PX. For example, asshown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a lower surface of thesecond insulating layer 20 may directly contact an upper surface of thefirst insulating layer 10 and upper and side surfaces of the first andsecond gates G1, G2. The second insulating layer 20 may include aninorganic layer and/or an organic layer and may have a single-layer ormulti-layer structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulatinglayer 20 may be a single silicon oxide layer. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

An upper electrode UE may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20.The upper electrode UE may overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3)the second gate G2 of the second transistor T2. The upper electrode UEmay be a portion of the metal pattern. The portion of the second gate G2and the upper electrode UE overlapping the portion of the second gate G2may define the capacitor CP (refer to FIG. 3). However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.For example, in other exemplary embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts, the upper electrode UE may be omitted.

The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulatinglayer 20 to cover the upper electrode UE. For example, as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a lower surface of the third insulatinglayer 30 may directly contact an upper surface of the second insulatinglayer 20 and upper and side surfaces of the upper electrode UE. In anexemplary embodiment, the third insulating layer 30 may be a singlesilicon oxide layer. A first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposedon the third insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a firstcontact hole CNT-1 penetrating through the first to third insulatinglayers 10 to 30.

The fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulatinglayer 30. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, alower surface of the fourth insulating layer 40 may directly contact anupper surface of the third insulating layer 30 and upper and sidesurfaces of the first connection electrode CNE1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single silicon oxidelayer. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourthinsulating layer 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth insulatinglayer 50 may be an organic layer. A second connection electrode CNE2 maybe disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connectionelectrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1through a second contact hole CNT-2 penetrating through the fourth andfifth insulating layers 40 and 50.

The sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulatinglayer 50 to cover the second connection electrode CNE2. For example, asshown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, a lower surface of thesixth insulating layer 60 may directly contact an upper surface of thefifth insulating layer 50 and upper and side surfaces of the secondconnection electrode CNE2. In an exemplary embodiment, the sixthinsulating layer 60 may be an organic layer. The light emitting elementOLED may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. A first electrodeAE of the light emitting element OLED may be connected to the secondconnection electrode CNE2 through a third contact hole CNT-3 penetratingthrough the sixth insulating layer 60. A plurality of pixel openings OPmay be defined through the pixel definition layer PDL. At least aportion of the first electrode AE may be exposed through the pixelopening OP of the pixel definition layer PDL.

The pixel definition layer PDL may be disposed on the element layer DEL.For example, the pixel definition layer PDL may be disposed on the sixthinsulating layer 60 and lateral ends of the first electrode AE. Thepixel definition layer PDL may overlap the non-pixel area NPA of thesubstrate SUB. The plurality of pixel openings OP may be defined throughthe pixel definition layer PDL to overlap the pixel areas PA.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the pixel definition layer PDL mayblock the light incident thereto. For example, the pixel definitionlayer PDL may have a black color.

The light emitting elements OLED may be disposed in the pixel openingsOP defined through the pixel definition layer PDL. As shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the light emitting elements OLED mayinclude the first electrode AE, a hole control layer HCL, a lightemitting layer EML, an electron control layer ELC, and a secondelectrode CE.

The hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed, to overlap thepixel area PA and the non-pixel area NPA of the substrate SUB. In anexemplary embodiment, the hole control layer HCL may include a holetransport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. Thelight emitting layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layer HCL.The light emitting layer EML may be disposed in an area corresponding tothe pixel opening OP. For example, the light emitting layer EML may beformed in each of the pixels after being divided into plural portions.

The electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emittinglayer EML. The electron control layer ECL may include an electrontransport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. Inan exemplary embodiment, the hole control layer HCL and the electroncontrol layer ECL may be commonly formed in a plurality of pixels usingan open mask. The second electrode CE may be disposed on the electroncontrol layer ECL. The second electrode CE may have a single unitaryform and may be commonly disposed in the plurality of pixels PX. Thethin film encapsulation layer TFL may be disposed on the secondelectrode CE.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a structure in which the pixel area shownin FIG. 4 is disposed in plural, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional viewtaken along a line I-I′ shown in FIG. 5.

For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6 schematically shows the elementlayer DEL and the light emitting elements OLED.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the pixel areas PA maybe arranged along a diagonal direction. For example, the pixel areas PAmay be arranged along a first diagonal direction DDR1 or a seconddiagonal direction DDR2 to be spaced apart from each other.

The first diagonal direction DDR1 may be defined as a direction inclinedwith respect to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 on a planedefined by the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. The seconddiagonal direction DDR2 may be defined as a direction crossing the firstdiagonal direction DDR1 on the plane defined by the first and seconddirections DR1 and DR2. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, thefirst direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may perpendicularlycross each other, and the first diagonal direction DDR1 and the seconddiagonal direction DDR2 may perpendicularly cross each other. However,exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto.

The pixel areas PA may include first pixel areas PA1, second pixel areasPA2, and third pixel areas PA3. In an exemplary embodiment, the displaypanel DP may emit light of different colors from each other in thefirst, second, and third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3, respectively.For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the display panel DP may emit ared color in the first pixel areas PA1, the display panel DP may emit agreen color in the second pixel areas PA2, and the display panel DP mayemit a blue color in the third pixel areas PA3. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited theretoand the colors emitted by the display panel DP in the first to thirdpixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may vary.

When viewed in a plane (e.g., in a plane defined by the first directionDR1 and second direction DR2), each of the first, second, and thirdpixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may have a polygonal shape. For example,when viewed in a plane, each of the first, second, and third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3 may have a lozenge shape. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited theretoand the shape of the pixel areas PA may vary.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first, second, and third pixel areasPA1, PA2, and PA3 may have different sizes from each other. For example,as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 the third pixel area PA3may have the largest size (e.g., area in a plane defined by the firstdirection DR1 and the second direction DR2), the second pixel area PA2may have the smallest size, and the first pixel area PA1 may have anintermediate size between the second pixel area PA2 and the third pixelarea PA3. However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and a relationship in size between thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may vary. For example, thefirst to third pixel areas PA1, PA2, and PA3 may have the same size whenviewed in a plane.

The non-pixel area NPA may surround the pixel areas PA. The non-pixelarea NPA may include a plurality of first areas NPA-1 and a plurality ofsecond areas NPA-2.

The first areas NPA-1 of the non-pixel area NPA may be defined in apartial portion of an area between the first pixel areas PA1 and thesecond pixel areas PA2. However, the first areas NPA-1 may not bedisposed in the entire space between the first pixel areas PA1 and thesecond pixel areas PA2. In an exemplary embodiment, the first areasNPA-1 may be designed and arranged in a predetermined number per unitarea.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the light emittingelements OLED may include first light emitting elements OLED1, secondlight emitting elements OLED2, and third light emitting elements OLED3.

The first, second, and third light emitting elements OLED1, OLED2, andOLED3 may generate lights having different colors from each other. Forexample, in an exemplary embodiment, the first light emitting elementsOLED1 may generate light having a red color, the second light emittingelements OLED2 may generate light having a green color, and the thirdlight emitting elements OLED3 may generate light having a blue color.However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto and the colors of the lights generated by the first,second, and third light emitting elements OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3 mayvary. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the first, second,and third light emitting elements OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3 may generatelights having magenta, cyan, or white colors.

The light emitting elements OLED may overlap (e.g., in the thirddirection D3) the pixel areas PA of the substrate SUB. For example, asshown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the first light emittingelements OLED1 may overlap the first pixel areas PA1, the second lightemitting elements OLED2 may overlap the second pixel areas PA2, and thethird light emitting elements OLED3 may overlap the third pixel areasPA3. The pixel definition layer PDL may overlap (e.g., in the thirddirection DR3) the non-pixel area NPA.

A plurality of first holes H1 (refer to FIG. 5) may be defined throughthe functional layer FL. The first holes H1 may overlap the first areasNPA-1 of the non-pixel area NPA of the substrate SUB.

A plurality of second holes H2 may be defined through the pixeldefinition layer PDL. The second holes H2 may overlap (e.g., in thethird direction DR3) the first holes H1 and the first areas NPA-1 of thesubstrate SUB. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first holes H1and each of the second holes H2 has a polygonal shape or a circularshape when viewed in a plane (e.g., a plane defined by the firstdirection DR1 and the second direction DR2).

Each of the second holes H2 may include a first portion HP1 and a secondportion HP2. The first portion HP1 may be positioned on a lower end(e.g., in the third direction DR3) of the second hole H2, and the secondportion HP2 may be positioned on an upper end (e.g., in the thirddirection DR3) of the second hole H2. As shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 6, a width of the second portion HP2 may be greaterthan a width of the first portion HP1. For example, each of the secondholes H2 may have a shape in which the width thereof becomes narrower asthe distance to the substrate SUB (e.g., in the third direction DR3decreases from the second portion HP2 to the first portion HP1. In anexemplary embodiment, the second holes H2 may be filled with atransparent insulating material. For example, the second holes H2 may befilled with an insulating material such as spacers SR.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the first area NPA-1 maybe defined as a light transmitting area. Lights incident to the firstarea NPA-1 may reach the sensor layer SL (refer to FIG. 2) disposedunder the substrate SUB after passing through the second holes H2 andthe first holes H1. In the display panel DP, the first holes H1 and thesecond holes H2 may be defined as the optical transmission path.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts,the spacers SR may be disposed on the pixel definition layer PDL. Thespacers SR may include a transparent material. For example, in anexemplary embodiment, the spacers SR may include a transparent organicinsulating material. The spacers SR may protect the first to third lightemitting elements OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3 and the element layer DEL toprevent the display characteristics of the display panel DP fromdeteriorating. For example, the spacers SR may buffer external forcesacting on the first to third light emitting elements OLED1, OLED2, andOLED3. While the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 includes the spacers SRdisposed on the pixel definition layer PDL and overlapping (e.g., in thethird direction DR3) both the first area NPA-1 and the second areaNPA-2, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacers SR may bedisposed on the pixel definition layer PDL and overlap at least one areaselected from the first area NPA-1 and the second area NPA-2.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the first areas shown in FIG. 5 when viewed ina plane defined in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2,and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the first area shown inFIG. 5.

Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, the first holesH1 defined through the functional layer FL and the second holes H2defined through the pixel definition layer PDL may overlap the firstareas NPA-1 of the substrate SUB (e.g., in the third direction DR3).When viewed in a plane (e.g., defined by the first direction DR1 and thesecond direction DR2), each of the second holes H2 may have a size thatis greater than the size of each of the first holes H1. For example, thearea of the second holes H2 in the plane defined by the first directionDR1 and the second direction DR2 may be larger than the area of thefirst holes H1.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the first hole H1 mayhave a first width W1 in the first direction DR1. The first width W1 mayhave a predetermined size. For example, the first width W1 may be a fewmicrometers. For example, the first width W1 may be 2-7 micrometers.However, exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto.

The first portion HP1 and the second portion HP2 of the second hole H2may have a second width W2 and a third width W3, respectively. As shownin the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the third width W3 may be greaterthan the second width W2. In an exemplary embodiment, the second widthW2 and the third width W3 may be determined depending on a size of thefirst width W1, a distance from the first hole H1, and an incident angleθ of the light.

For example, the second width W2 and the third width W3 may satisfy thefollowing Equations 1 and 2.

$\begin{matrix}{\mspace{79mu} {{W\; 2} > {{W\; 1} + {2 \times L\; 1 \times {\tan\left( {W\; 1\text{?}} \right.}}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \\{\mspace{79mu} {{{W\; 3} > {{W\; 1} + {2 \times L\; 2 \times {\tan (\theta)}}}}{\text{?}\text{indicates text missing or illegible when filed}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 2}\end{matrix}$

In Equations 1-2, W1 denotes a width in the first direction DR1 of thefirst hole H1. W2 denotes a width in the first direction DR1 of thefirst portion HP1 of the second hole H2. W3 denotes a width in the firstdirection DR1 of the second portion HP2 of the second hole H2.

A first distance L1 may be a vertical distance (e.g., length in thethird direction DR3) from the first hole H1 to the first portion HP1.For example, the first distance L1 may be a vertical distance from thefunctional layer FL to a lower end of the pixel definition layer PDL. Asecond distance L2 may be a vertical distance from the first hole H1 tothe second portion HP2. For example, the second distance L2 may be avertical distance from the functional layer FL to an upper end of thepixel definition layer PDL.

The incident angle θ may be a maximum angle formed by the lightsincident to the first holes H1 and the vertical direction DR3. Forexample, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, a first pathLI1 of a first light and a second path LI2 of a second light may formthe incident angle θ with the vertical direction (e.g., the thirddirection DR3). The first path LI1 of the first light and the secondpath LI2 of the second light may form the maximum angle among the pathsof the lights incident to the first hole H1. The lights incident to thefirst and second holes H1 and H2 may be incident along a path definedbetween the first light path LI1 and the second light path LI2.

The lights incident through the optical transmission path may be lightsthat are generated by the first to third light emitting elements OLED1,OLED2, and OLED3 and incident to the display panel DP again after beingreflected from an external object.

In an exemplary embodiment, the widths in the second direction DR2 ofthe first portion HP1 and the second portion HP2 of the second hole H2may satisfy Equations 1-2.

For example, the widths in the second direction DR2 of the first portionHP1 and the second portion HP2 may be determined depending on the widthin the second direction DR2 of the first hole H1, a distance from thefirst hole H1 to the first portion HP1 or the second portion HP2, andthe maximum angle formed by the lights incident to the first hole H1 andthe vertical direction.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the input sensing unit ISP shown in FIG. 2according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the input sensing unitISP may include a plurality of first and second sensing electrodes SE1and SE2, a plurality of first and second lines SL1 and SL2, and aplurality of pads PD. The first and second sensing electrodes SE1 andSE2, the first and second lines SL1 and SL2, and the pads PD may bedisposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFL.

The input sensing unit ISP may include an active area AA and anon-active area NAA surrounding the active area AA when viewed in aplane (e.g., a plane defined in the first direction DR1 and the seconddirection DR2). The first and second sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 maybe disposed in the active area AA, and the pads PD may be disposed inthe non-active area NAA. The first and second lines SL1 and SL2 may beconnected to the first and second sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 and mayextend to the non-active area NAA to be connected to the pads PD.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pads PD may be connected to a driverthat drives the input sensing unit ISP through a flexible printedcircuit board.

The first and second sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may include aplurality of first sensing electrodes SE1 extending in the seconddirection DR2 and arranged in the first direction DR1 and a plurality ofsecond sensing electrodes SE2 extending in the first direction DR1 andarranged in the second direction DR2. The first and second lines SL1 andSL2 may include a plurality of first signal lines SL1 connected to thefirst sensing electrodes SE1 and a plurality of second signal lines SL2connected to the second sensing electrodes SE2.

The second sensing electrodes SE2 may extend to cross the first sensingelectrodes SE1 and may be insulated from the first sensing electrodesSE1. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing electrodes SE1 may bedefined as output sensing electrodes, and the second sensing electrodesSE2 may be defined as input sensing electrodes.

Each of the first sensing electrodes SE1 may include a plurality offirst sensor portions SP1 arranged in the second direction DR2 and aplurality of first connection portions CP1 connecting the first sensorportions SP1. Each of the first connection portions CP1 may be disposedbetween two first sensor portions SP1 adjacent to each other (e.g., inthe second direction DR2) and may electrically connect the two firstsensor portions SP1.

Each of the second sensing electrodes SE2 may include a plurality ofsecond sensor portions SP2 arranged in the first direction DR1 and aplurality of second connection portions CP2 connecting the second sensorportions SP2. Each of the second connection portions CP2 may be disposedbetween two second sensor portions SP2 adjacent to each other (e.g., inthe first direction DR1) and may electrically connect the two secondsensor portions SP2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor portions SP1 and the secondsensor portions SP2 may have a mesh shape. The first sensor portions SP1and the second sensor portions SP2 may not overlap each other in thethird direction DR3), may be spaced apart from each other (e.g., in thefirst direction DR1 and second direction DR2), and may be alternatelyarranged with each other. The second connection portions CP2 may beinsulated from the first connection portions CP1 while crossing thefirst connection portions CP1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second sensor portions SP1 andSP2 and the first connection portions CP1 may be disposed on the samelayer. The second connection portions CP2 may be disposed on a layerthat is different from the layer on which the first and second sensorportions SP1 and SP2 and the first connection portions CP1 are disposed.

The first signal lines SL1 may be respectively connected to first endsof the first sensing electrodes SE1 and may extend to the non-activearea NAA to be connected to the pads PD. For example, as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the first ends of the first sensingelectrodes SE1 may be lower ends in the second direction DR2) of thefirst sensing electrodes SE1. However, exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto. The second signallines SL2 may be respectively connected to first ends of the secondsensing electrodes SE2 and may extend to the non-active area NAA to beconnected to the pads PD. For example, as shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 9, the first ends of the second sensing electrodesSE2 may be leftmost ends (e.g., in the first direction DR1) of thesecond sensing electrodes SE2. However, exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of the first andsecond sensor portions SP1 and SP2 shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is across-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 shows two first sensor portions SP1 adjacent to each other andtwo second sensor portions SP2 adjacent to each other as arepresentative example.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the first and secondsensor portions SP1 and SP2 may have the mesh shape. For example, eachof the first and second sensor portions SP1 and SP2 may include aplurality of first branch portions BP1 extending in the first diagonaldirection DDR1 and a plurality of second branch portions BP2 extendingin the second diagonal direction DDR2.

The first branch portions BP1 of each of the first and second sensorportions SP1 and SP2 may intersect with and may be integrally formedwith the second branch portions BP2. Openings TOP, each having a lozengeshape, may be defined by the first branch portions BP1 and the secondbranch portions BP2 crossing each other. The first and second branchportions BP1 and BP2 may be defined as mesh lines, and each mesh linemay have a line width of a few micrometers.

The adjacent first sensor portions SP1 may be connected to each other bythe first connection portion CP1. The first sensor portions SP1 may beintegrally formed with the first connection portion CP1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the first connection portion CP1 may have a mesh shape andmay extend from the first sensor portions SP1.

The second sensor portions SP2 may be electrically connected to eachother by the second connection portion CP2. In an exemplary embodiment,the second sensor portions SP2 may not be integrally formed with thesecond connection portion CP2. The second connection portion CP2 may beconnected to the second sensor portions SP2 through a plurality ofcontact holes TS-CH.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the second connectionportion CP2 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFL.For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, a lowersurface of the second connection portion CP2 may directly contact anupper surface of the thin film encapsulation layer TFL. A seventhinsulating layer 70 may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layerTFL to cover the second connection portion CP2. For example, as shown inthe exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, a lower portion of the seventhinsulating layer 70 directly contacts an upper portion of the thin filmencapsulation layer TFL and upper and side portions of the secondconnection portion CP2. The first connection portion CP1 and the secondsensor portions SP2 may be disposed on the seventh insulating layer 70.The first sensor portions SP1 integrally connected with the firstconnection portion CP1 may also be disposed on the seventh insulatinglayer 70. An eighth insulating layer 80 may be disposed on the seventhinsulating layer 70 to cover the first connection portion CP1 and thesecond sensor portions SP2. For example, as shown in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 11, a lower surface of the eighth insulating layer 80may directly contact upper and side surfaces of the first connectionportion CP1 and the second sensor portions SP2.

The second connection portion CP2 may be connected to the second sensorportions SP2 through the contact holes TS-CH defined through the seventhinsulating layer 70. Opposite lateral sides of the second connectionportion CP2 may be connected to the second sensor portions SP2 throughthe contact holes TS-CH.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view showing an area E1 shown in FIG. 9according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an arrangement of the sensing electrodes inthe pixel areas shown in FIG. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12, the input sensing unitISP ma include the first and second sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 thatoverlap the non-pixel area NPA. For example, the first and secondsensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may be disposed between the first,second, and third pixel areas PA1, PA2 and PA3.

The first and second sensing electrodes SE1 and SE2 may overlap (e.g.,in the third direction DR3) the second area NPA-2 of the non-pixel areaNPA and may not overlap the first areas NPA-1 that overlap the firstholes H1 and the second holes H2. For example, the first sensingelectrodes SE1 and the second sensing electrodes SE2 may be disposed inan area of the input sensing unit ISP, which overlaps the second areaNPA-2. The first sensing electrodes SE1 and the second sensingelectrodes SE2 may not be disposed in an area of the input sensing unitISP, which overlaps the first areas NPA-1. According to the presentexemplary embodiment, since the first and second sensing electrodes SE1and SE2 are not disposed in the area overlapping the first areas NPA-1,a first transmission area PP1 that overlaps (e.g., in the thirddirection DR3) the first area NPA-1 may be defined on the input sensingunit ISP.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according toan exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 13 shows a structure in which the input sensing unit ISP, the colorfilter layer CFL, and the window WIN are disposed on the display panelDP shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6. Hereinafter, any furtherrepetitive descriptions of the same elements as those of FIG. 6 will beomitted.

Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 13, the first andsecond sensing electrodes SE1, SE2 of the input sensing unit ISP may bedisposed to overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) the second areaNPA-2 of the ion-pixel area NPA. The first and second sensing electrodesSE1, SE2 may not be disposed in an area overlapping the first area NPA-1of the non-pixel area NPA. FIG. 13 shows the second sensing electrodesSE2 disposed on (e.g., disposed directly on) the seventh insulatinglayer 70, and the first sensing electrodes SE1 may not be disposed inthe area overlapping the first area NPA-1 (refer to FIG. 10).

The color filter layer CFL may include first color filters CF1, secondcolor filters CF2, and third color filters CF3. The first color filtersCF1 may be disposed to overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) thefirst light emitting elements OLED1. The second color filters CF2 may bedisposed to overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) the second lightemitting elements OLED2. The third color filters CF3 may be disposed tooverlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) the third light emittingelements OLED3. For example, the first color filters CF1 may be redcolor filters which transmit red light, the second color filters CF2 maybe green color filters which transmit green light, and the third colorfilters CF3 may be blue color filters which transmit blue light.

The color filter layer CFL may further include a black matrix BM and aninth insulating layer 90. The black matrix BM may be disposed betweenthe first color filters CF1, the second color filters CF2, and the thirdcolor filters CF3. The black matrix BM may be disposed to overlap thefirst and second sensing electrodes SE1, SE2. For example, the blackmatrix BM may be disposed to overlap the second area NPA-2 of thenon-pixel area NPA. The black matrix BM may not be disposed in an areaoverlapping the first area NPA-1.

The black matrix BM may block the lights incident to the non-pixel areaNPA. For example, the black matrix BM may have a black color. Accordingto the present exemplary embodiment, since the black matrix BM thatblocks the lights is not disposed in the area overlapping the first areaNPA-1, a second transmission area PP2 that overlaps the first area NPA-1may be defined on the color filter layer CFL.

Sub-color filters SCF may be disposed in the area overlapping (e.g., inthe third direction DR3) the first area NPA-1. The sub-color filters SCFmay extend from the second color filters CF2 disposed adjacent to thefirst area NPA-1 to the first pixel areas PX1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the sub-color filter SCF may be the same color filter as thesecond color filter CF2. For example, the sub-color filter SCF may be agreen color filter. When viewed in a plane, the sub-color filter SCF mayhave substantially the same area as the first area NPA-1. The firstholes H1 and the second holes H2 may overlap (e.g., in the thirddirection DR3) the sub-color filter SCF when viewed in the plane (e.g.,in a plane defined in the first direction DR1 and second direction DR2).

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the first area NPA-1 shown in FIG. 13when viewed in the plane according to an exemplary embodiment of thepresent inventive concepts, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional viewshowing the first area NPA-1 shown in FIG. 13 according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present inventive concepts.

Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 14 and 15, the firstarea NPA-1 of the non-pixel area NPA may be defined as the lighttransmission area. The optical transmission path may be defined by thefirst and second holes H1 and H2 overlapping the first area NPA-1, thefirst transmission area PP1 defined in the input sensing unit ISP, andthe second transmission area PP2 defined in the color filter layer CFL.When viewed in the plane, the first transmission area PP1 and the secondtransmission area PP2 may have a polygonal shape. For example, the firsttransmission area PP1 and the second transmission area PP2 may have arectangular shape. However, exemplary embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The external lights may be incident to the first area NPA-1 and mayreach the sensor layer SL after passing through the optical transmissionpath. When viewed in the plane, the sub-color filters SCF of the colorfilter layer CFL, at least a portion of the input sensing unit ISP, thesecond hole H2 of the pixel definition layer PDL, and the first hole H1of the functional layer FL may be exposed through the first area NPA-1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first hole H1 and the second hole H2 areareas in which substantially no material is present, whereas theinsulating layer and the sub-color filter may be disposed in the firstlight transmission area PP1 and the second light transmission area PP2,respectively. However, the first light transmission area PP1 and thesecond light transmission area PP2 may transmit the lights incident tothe first area NPA-1 downward (e.g., in a direction towards thesubstrate SUB).

A fourth width W4 of the first light transmission area PP1 and a fifthwidth W5 of the second light transmission area PP2 may satisfy thefollowing Equations 3 and 4. In Equations 3 and 4, the fourth width W4denotes a width in the first direction DR1 of the first lighttransmission area PP1, and the fifth width W5 denotes a width in thefirst direction DR1 of the second light transmission area PP2. Forexample, the fourth width W4 may denote a width of the first lighttransmission area PP1 on an upper surface of the input sensing unit ISPand the fifth width W5 may denote a width of the second lighttransmission area PP2 on an upper surface of the sub-color filter SCF ofthe color filter layer CFL.

W4>W1+2×L3×tan(θ)  Equation 3

W5>W1+2×L4×tan(θ)  Equation 4

In the above Equations 3 and 4, W1 denotes a width in the firstdirection DR1 of the first hole H1. W4 denotes the width in the firstdirection DR1 of the first light transmission area PP1, and the W5denotes the width in the first direction DR1 of the second lighttransmission area PP2.

A third distance L3 may be a vertical distance (e.g., length in thethird direction DR3) from the first hole H1 to an upper surface of theinput sensing unit ISP. A fourth distance L4 may be a vertical distance(e.g., length in the third direction DR3) from the first hole H1 to anupper surface of the color filter layer CFL.

An incident angle θ may be a maximum angle formed by the lights incidentto the first holes H1 and the vertical direction DR3. For example, apath LI1 of a first light and a path LI2 of a second light may form theincident angle θ with the vertical direction. The path LI1 of the firstlight and the path LI2 of the second light may form the maximum angleamong the paths of the lights incident to the first hole H1. The lightsincident to the first and second holes H1 and H2 may be incident alongan optical transmission path defined between the first light path LI1and the second light path LI2.

In an exemplary embodiment, widths in the second direction DR2 of thefirst light transmission area PP1 and the second light transmission areaPP2 may satisfy the above Equations 3 and 4.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concepts,in the display device DD including the color filter layer CFL and thepixel definition layer PDL haying the black color, the opticaltransmission path is formed by the first hole H1 of the functional layerFL, the second hole H2 of the pixel definition layer PDL, the firsttransmission area PP1 of the input sensing unit ISP and the secondtransmission area PP2 of the color filter layer CFL, and thus, theexternal lights may easily reach the sensor layer SL. Accordingly, thesensor layer SL may be stably operated.

FIGS. 16 to 18 are cross-sectional views showing display devicesaccording to exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concepts.Hereinafter, display devices DD-1 and DD-2 according to differentexemplary embodiments from the above-described embodiments will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 16 to 18, the same referencenumerals denote the same elements of the above-described embodiments,and thus, detailed descriptions of the same elements will be omitted.For the convenience of explanation, components, e.g., an input sensingunit, a window, etc., disposed on display panels devices DP-1 and DP-2are omitted in FIGS. 16 to 18.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16, the display deviceDD-1 may not include a spacer SR (refer to FIG. 6) in an areaoverlapping a first area NPA-1. As described above, the first area NPA-1may be defined as an optical transmission area.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a second hole H2-1 may be filledwith a second electrode CE-1 of light emitting elements OLED and aportion of a thin film encapsulation layer TFL. For example, a portionof the second electrode CE-1, which overlaps the second hole H2-1, maybe disposed on an inclined surface IF of a pixel definition layer PDLand an upper portion of an element layer DEL. The upper portion of theelement layer DEL may be the sixth insulating layer 60 (refer to FIG.4).

The portion of the thin film encapsulation layer TFL may be disposed onthe second electrode CE-1 disposed in the second hole H2-1. Therefore,the portion of the thin film encapsulation layer TFL, which overlaps thesecond hole H2-1, may protrude downward in the third direction DR3towards the substrate SUB more than other portions of the thin filmencapsulation layer TFL. For example, a portion of the thin filmencapsulation layer TFL overlapping the second hole H2-1 may have alowest height of the thin film encapsulation layer TFL.

The second electrode CE-1 and the thin film encapsulation layer TFL,which are disposed to overlap the second hole H2-1, may include atransparent material. Therefore, a portion of the lights incident to thedisplay panel DP-1 may reach the sensor layer SL (refer to FIG. 2)through the second hole H2-1 and the first hole H1.

Referring to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 17 and 18, the displaydevice DD-2 may include an encapsulation substrate ES. The encapsulationsubstrate ES may be disposed on a base layer BL. For example, theencapsulation substrate ES may be spaced apart from a pixel layer PXLdisposed on the base layer BL in an upward direction (e.g., the thirddirection DR3). The encapsulation substrate ES may be a transparentsubstrate. For example, the encapsulation substrate ES may include aglass substrate.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17, a color filter layerCFL-2 may be disposed between the encapsulation substrate ES and thepixel layer PXL (e.g., in the third direction DR3). The color filterlayer CFL-2 may be disposed on a first surface of the color filter layerthat faces the base layer BL among opposite surfaces of theencapsulation substrate ES.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 18, the color filter layerCFL-2 may include first, second, and third color filters CF1-2, CF2-2,and CF3-2, a black matrix BM-2, and an insulating film INF.

The first, second, and third color filters CF1-2, CF2-2, and CF3-2 maybe disposed under the encapsulation substrate ES. Each of the first,second, and third color filters CF1-2 CF2-2, and CF3-2 may overlap acorresponding light emitting element among first, second, and thirdlight emitting elements OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3.

The black matrix BM-2 may be disposed between the first, second, andthird color filters CF1-2, CF2-2, and CF3-2. However, the black matrixBM-2 may riot be disposed in an area overlapping the first area NPA-1.

Sub-color filters SCF-2 may be disposed in the area overlapping thefirst area NPA-1 of the color filter layer CFL-2. The sub-color filtersSCF-2 may extend from the second color filters CF2-2. For example, whenviewed in the plane, the sub-color filters SCF-2 may have the same areaas the area of the first area NPA-1 and may overlap the first holes H1and the second holes H2.

The insulating film INF may be disposed under the first, second, andthird color filters CF1-2, CF2-2, and CF3-2 and the black matrix BM-2.The insulating film INF may compensate for a step difference between thefirst, second, and third color filters CF1-2, CF2-2, and CF3-2 and theblack matrix BM-2 to allow one surface (e.g., a lower surface in thethird direction DR3) of the color filter layer CFL-2 to be flat.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 18, the color filter layer CFL-2 isdisposed under the encapsulation substrate ES. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited theretoand a position of the color filter layer CFL-2 may vary. The colorfilter layer CFL-2 may be disposed on the encapsulation substrate ES.

The display panel DP-2 of the display device DD-2 may include a sealingportion SEL. The sealing portion SEL may be disposed between the baselayer BL and the encapsulation substrate ES. The sealing portion SEL maysurround the pixel layer PXL. For example, the sealing portion SEL maybe disposed to overlap the non-display area NDA.

The sealing portion SEL may form a gap between the base layer BL and theencapsulation substrate ES. The gap may be filled with an air or aninert gas. The sealing portion SEL may protect the pixel layer PXLdisposed on the base layer BL.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present inventive conceptshave beers described, it is understood that the present inventiveconcepts should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments butvarious changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled inthe art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a substratecomprising a plurality of pixel areas and a non-pixel area surroundingeach of the plurality of pixel areas, the non-pixel area includes aplurality of first areas and a second area surrounding the plurality offirst areas; a functional layer disposed on the substrate and includinga plurality of first holes defined through the functional layer andoverlapping the plurality of first areas; an element layer disposed onthe functional layer; a pixel definition layer disposed on the elementlayer and overlapping the non-pixel area, the pixel definition layerincluding pixel openings defined therethrough, the pixel openingsoverlapping the plurality of pixel areas; and a plurality of lightemitting elements disposed on the element layer and disposed in thepixel openings.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein the pixeldefinition layer includes second holes defined therethrough, the secondholes overlapping the first holes.
 3. The display device of claim 2,wherein an area of each of the second holes is greater than an area ofeach of the first holes, the areas of the first holes and second holesare defined in a first direction and a second direction that areparallel to at upper surface of the substrate and cross each other. 4.The display device of claim 2, wherein each of the second holescomprises: a first portion positioned on a lower end of each of thesecond holes; and a second portion positioned on an upper end of each ofthe second holes, wherein the second portion has an area that is greaterthan an area of the first portion, the area of the first portion and thearea of the second portion are defined in a first direction and a seconddirection that are parallel to an upper surface of the substrate andcross each other.
 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein each of thesecond holes has a width that gradually decreases from the secondportion to the first portion.
 6. The display device of claim 4, whereina width of the first portion and a width of the second portion satisfythe following Equations 1 and 2:W2>W1+2×L1×tan(θ)  <Equation 1>W3>W1+2×L2×tan(θ)  <Equation 2> wherein W1 is a width of the first hole,W2 is a width of the first portion, W3 is a width of the second portion,L1 is a vertical distance from the first hole to the first portion, L2is a vertical distance from the first hole to the second portion, and θis a maximum angle defined by lights incident to the first hole and thevertical direction.
 7. The display device of claim 2, wherein each ofthe first holes and each of the second holes has a polygonal shape or acircular shape when viewed in a plane defined in a first direction and asecond direction that are parallel to an upper surface of the substrateand cross each other.
 8. The display device of claim 1, wherein thepixel definition layer has a black color.
 9. The display device of claim1, further comprising a spacer disposed on the pixel definition layer,the spacer overlapping at least one area selected from the plurality offirst areas and the second area.
 10. The display device of claim 1,wherein the functional layer is configured to block light.
 11. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixel areas comprisea plurality of first pixel areas, a plurality of second pixel areas, anda plurality of third pixel areas, wherein the display device isconfigured to display different colors in the plurality of first pixelareas, the plurality of second pixel areas and the plurality of thirdpixel areas, respectively.
 12. The display device of claim 11, whereinthe plurality of light emitting elements comprise: a plurality of firstlight emitting elements overlapping the first pixel areas and configuredto generate a light having a red color; a plurality of second lightemitting elements overlapping the second pixel areas and configured togenerate a light having a green color; and a plurality of third lightemitting elements overlapping the third pixel areas and configured togenerate a light having a blue color.
 13. The display device of claim12, wherein the plurality of first areas are disposed in a partialportion of an area between the first pixel areas and the second pixelareas.
 14. The display device of claim 13, further comprising: a colorfilter layer disposed on the plurality of light emitting elements andthe pixel definition layer, the color filter layer comprising: aplurality of first color filers overlapping the first light emittingelements, the plurality of first color filters are red color filters; aplurality of second color filters overlapping the second light emittingelements, the plurality of second color filters are green color filters;a plurality of third color filters overlapping the third light emittingelements, the plurality of third color filters are blue color filters;and a black matrix disposed between the first, second, and third colorfilters and overlapping the second area, wherein the black matrix doesnot overlap the plurality of first areas.
 15. The display device ofclaim 14, wherein the color filter layer further comprises: sub-colorfilters disposed in the plurality of first areas, wherein each of thesub-color filters extend from one second color filter of the pluralityof second color filters adjacent to the plurality of first areas to onepixel area of the plurality of pixel areas.
 16. The display device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a color filter layer disposed on theplurality of light emitting elements and the pixel definition layer; andan input sensing unit disposed between the plurality of light emittingelements and the color filter layer, wherein the input sensing unitcomprises a plurality of sensing electrodes overlapping the non-pixelarea.
 17. The display device of claim 16, wherein the plurality ofsensing electrodes overlap the second area and do not overlap the firstareas of the non-pixel area.
 18. The display device of claim 16, furthercomprising: a thin film encapsulation layer disposed between theplurality of light emitting elements and the input sensing unit; and asensor layer disposed under the functional layer, wherein the sensorlayer comprises at least one optical fingerprint sensor.
 19. The displaydevice of claim 1, further comprising: a color filter layer disposed onthe plurality of light emitting elements and the pixel definition layer;and an encapsulation substrate disposed on the substrate, wherein thecolor filter layer is disposed on a first surface of the color filterlayer that faces the substrate.
 20. A display device comprising: asubstrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and a non-pixel areasurrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas, the non-pixel areaincludes a plurality of first areas and a second area surrounding theplurality of first areas; a functional layer disposed on the substrateand including a plurality of first holes defined through the functionallayer and overlapping the plurality of first areas; an element layerdisposed on the functional layer; a pixel definition layer disposed onthe element layer and overlapping the non-pixel area, the pixeldefinition layer including: pixel openings defined through the pixeldefinition layer and overlapping the plurality of pixel areas; andsecond holes defined through the pixel definition layer and overlappingthe first holes, wherein an area of each of the second holes is greaterthan an area of each of the first holes, the areas of the first holesand second holes are defined in a first direction and a second directionthat are parallel to an upper surface of the substrate and cross eachother; a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the elementlayer and disposed in the pixel openings.
 21. A display devicecomprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of pixel areas and anon-pixel area surrounding each of the plurality of pixel areas, thenon-pixel area includes a plurality of first areas and a second areasurrounding the plurality of first areas; a functional layer disposed onthe substrate and including first holes defined through the functionallayer and overlapping the plurality of first areas; a sensor layerdisposed under the functional layer, the sensor layer including at leastone optical fingerprint sensor; a plurality of light emitting elementsdisposed on the substrate and configured to emit light in regionsoverlapping the plurality of pixel areas; a pixel definition layerdisposed on the substrate and overlapping the non-pixel area, the pixeldefinition layer including second holes defined through the pixeldefinition layer and overlapping the first holes; a color filter layerdisposed on the plurality of light emitting elements and the pixeldefinition layer and including sub-color filters overlapping theplurality of first areas; and an input sensing unit disposed between thelight emitting elements and the color filter layer, wherein the inputsensing unit includes a first light transmission area overlapping theplurality of first areas; wherein the first holes, second holes,sub-color filters and first light transmission area form an opticaltransmission path for external light to reach the sensor layer.